Throughout the 20th century, communities in many parts of the United States used racial covenants to codify neighborhood segregation, a structural legacy that continues to drive inequities in health and economic success today. In this Think Global panel, experts with backgrounds in history, education and social justice will explore how communities are confronting the ongoing impacts of this often-hidden history, a process that can be a powerful tool in building stronger communities that are better able to flourish and respond to adversity.
Panelists will describe the community engagement process of Mapping Prejudice, an internationally recognized research project that works with communities across the United States to mobilize volunteers to identify and map racial covenants. The discussion will explore how this process has created collective understanding and led to policy change in places such as Minneapolis, and how a trauma-informed approach is essential to empowering communities. Through exploration of this model, the discussion will offer insights on how to effectively engage students and communities in productive discussions about how racial inequities are perpetuated, while minimizing emotional harm and fostering resilience.